My Love Of The Law

4 Ways To Strengthen Your Auto Accident Claim

9 April 2015
by Alan Medina

An unexpected car accident can turn your life upside down. When you are not at fault for the accident, you are entitled to compensation for auto repairs, a car rental, and any medical bills associated with injuries sustained in the accident. Use the following tips to help strengthen your claim and ensure that you receive the settlement that you deserve:

Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer Immediately

Many people neglect to hire a lawyer after a car accident, which can be a costly mistake. An experienced lawyer, like those from McLaughlin & Lauricella, P.C., will know how to determine what your case is worth, and he or she will have the necessary skills to negotiate on your behalf. Too many people accept a low-ball settlement after an accident because they don't know any better- your lawyer will prevent this from happening. Don't worry about the cost- most accident lawyers do not require upfront payment; instead they receive a percentage of your settlement.

Avoid Any Contact with the Other Driver's Insurance Company

After an auto accident, it is in your best interest to avoid speaking with any agent from the other driver's insurance company. The insurance company will likely contact you and request a recorded or written statement. This may seem innocent enough, but these statements can be used against you and potentially weaken your claim. Ask the insurance company to contact your lawyer; your attorney will work with you to ensure that the insurance company receives the information that is needed without any possibility of your words being twisted around.

Get Immediate and Consistent Medical Care

If you sustain any injuries in an auto accident, you need to see a doctor. In addition to your initial treatment, it is extremely important to attend every follow up appointment and follow your doctor's plan of treatment. Medical records are important evidence in a car accident claim- if you fail to get immediate and consistent medical care the other driver's insurance company may argue that you are not badly hurt, and the settlement you are awarded can suffer.

Collect Evidence for Your Case

A strong car accident claim is one that has indisputable evidence of the damages incurred. The more evidence you can provide your lawyer with, the better. Collect all evidence relating to the accident, including copies of car repair bills, rental car bills, medical bills, proof of loss of income due to missing work, and your medical records. If you have visible injuries, it can be very helpful to take pictures.

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About Me

In my opinion, there is nothing more exciting or complex than the legal system. For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of standing in front of a jury and presenting the best possible case (with lots of dramatic flare, of course). Unfortunately, the many "if's" in life have prevented me from realizing that dream thus far.
While I am may not be ready to start my legal career quite yet, my love for the law still remains constant. This page is my way of sharing with the world everything that I have learned about this amazing field thus far. It is my hope that the information contained in these pages will help you through your current legal matters and perhaps help you to nurture your own love of the law.